108 Divya Desam- Kapisthalam
Only Divya Desam where Maha Vishnu provides Darshan to two animals-Gajendra Moksham
– Krishnaaranya Kshetram
Situated just over 10kms from Kumbakonam on the Thiruvayaru road (about 5 kms East of Koodalur Divya Desam), Lord Gajendra Varadhan at Kapisthalam is in a reclining posture facing the East.
The story goes thus:
Raja Indirajimnan was a staunch devotee of Vishnu. He used to be so immersed in his prayers that he would forget the world around him. One day, Sage Durvasa came to see him. The Sage, renowned for his instant anger, waited for a while but with no sign of the King coming out of his prayers, became furious and cursed him thus- “The fact that you are a great devotee has made you arrogant and you have disrespected a Sage, who has come to meet you. May you turn into a mad elephant.”
Realising his folly, Indrajimnan begged for forgiveness. The Sage who is also know for showing sympathy agreed to reduce the impact of the curse stating that he would continue to be devoted to the Lord as ‘Elephant Gajendra’ and that he would one day be relieved of his curse by Vishnu himself.
Another story goes that Asura Guhu once playfully pulled the legs of Sage Agastyar while he was having bath. Angered at this act, the Sage cursed him instantly turning the Asura into a Crocodile.
Legend has it that Maha Vishnu, on his Garuda Vaahanam (a vehicle of the Lord) rescued Elephant (King) Gajendra from the clutches of the Crocodile (the Asura) on the banks of the river by hurling his Chakra at the crocodile and killing it. Thus the Raja was rid of his curse and attained Moksham.
This episode is known as Gajendra Moksham and is enacted here every year during the month of Panguni (March-April).
This is the only divya desam where the Lord provides Darshan to two animals.
It is a Praarthana Sthalam for Rahu
ThiruMazhisai Azhvaar’s only Paasuram here at Kapisthalam goes thus:
Kootramum Saara Koduvinaiyum Saara, Thee
Maatramum Saara Vagai Arindhen
Aatrankarai Kidakkum Kannan, Kadal Kidakkum Maayan,
Urai Kidakkum Ullathu Enakku(2431)
Meaning: As long as Lord Krishna, who resides in the Ocean and on the (Cauvery) riverside, resides in me, I need not fear anyone. No demon will come near me. With Krishna by my side, I know the way.
This is one of the ‘Pancha Krishna Kshetrams’ -5 Krishna Kshetrams.
(the other four are – Thiru Kannapuram, Thiru Kannamangai, Thiruvazhandur and ThiruKannangudi)
The temple is currently under the control of AG Lakshmana Moopanar’s family.
Quick Facts
Priest: O.S. Seshadri Bhattachar- 04374 223434
Agraharam
Mela Kapisthalam
Thanjavur Dist 614 203
Temple Timings: 630am-12noon and 5pm-730pm
Frequent bus services between Kumbakonam and Thiruvayaru.
Papanasam Railway Station
Labels: Temple Divya Desam
posted by PRabhu S @ 10:55 pm
11 Comments:
The story is somewhat wrong.
"Durvasa" is not involved here. One who cursed the king was Agastya.
The croc was a gandarvan named "hoohu" and wasn't cursed by Agastyar, instead by a different rishi (devalar?) who is one of those usually accompanies naaradhar.
More elaborate and correct story with moral to us is appreciated.
Thank you for the mail.
I do reasonable bit of research:) and visit each of the temples that i want to write about to make it as authentic as possible
I stick to the story( i have written) about Kapisthalam.
However, if you have information to the contrary through some other source, please let me know and I can take a relook at this.
Also, do let know what other information you would like me to include and I will do that from my next story
Thanks again for writing
Prabhu
Your displaying the 108 Divya Shetrams significance effort has to be appreciated in part with your sense / views that enable you to admit & welcome suggestion / correction from the readers like me. Excellent. Vazhga Nin Pani.
Hi,
I had been to Kapisthalam recently and was shocked by the state of the temple. The thayaar was draped in a saree that would have put the poorest to shame and the state of the perumal sannidhi was no better. The priest of the temple gets paid a measly Rs 17/- per month!!!! (which I believe is the salary from the ancient Britsh times) and half a kilo of rice per day. The temple itself is in ruins and if nothing is done about it soon, I'm afraid it will fall apart. I, as a Vaishnavite and a perumal bhakt, am deeply saddened by this and wish to do something, but alone I'm powerless. Is anyone willing to help?
Supriya Sudarshan
Madam,
Hi! Thanks for the comment
Please do read the story below:
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/05/108-divya-desam-kapisthalam.html
In the last year or so, there has been some support rendered by devotees to the temple...but the state of the temple itself has not seen much of a change.
Possible for you to send me your email id on sprabhu.pr@gmail.com
and I will mail back with some thoughts.
Regards
Prabhu
94440 40748
This comment has been removed by the author.
With so much of efforts from various bhakthas, the temple's Samprokshanam is going to be help on May 7th, 2009.
Thanks to all who are involved in this greatest move.
Thanks for the comment.
Prabhu
When I had been to the temple earlier some 4 yrs back...the entrance to the temple itself had elements like Kali puja and shamanistic rituals...Apparently thats the only way of making ends meet for the Bhattar.
Velukkudi Krishnan swami has taken up some temples Kannangudi, Nathan Koil and I think Kapisthalam as well.
Lets hope for the best
Preet
Sir,
Thanks for writing.
The Kumbabishekam took place earlier this year and the temple now is in a little better shape...
Do read www.prtraveller.blogspot.com for the latest photo of the temple
Prabhu
Why is it called Kapisthalam ?
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